30-Day Challenge Day Fifteen: Three Pet Peeves

People who block doors and walkways while talking. I get it. You are enthralled in a conversation with a friend or colleague while headed out. But the polite thing to do is step aside! To just stand in the way and restrict everyone else’s passage while you run your mouth is rude! What are you doing with your life? Doors and walkways don’t serve the same purpose as a cozy spot on the sofa. Move and get out the way!

People who have loud, long conversations about their personal lives on their cell phones in public. If I don’t know your name, I really shouldn’t know the details of your love/sex life, financial situation or any other personal issues you are currently experiencing. Everyone standing in line at the bank, post office or grocery store doesn’t need to know your business. Lower your voice or save the discussion for a time when you have privacy.

Last minute requests. Roughly six years ago my BFF told me there were two types of stress we face in life: unavoidable stress and manufactured stress. The former stemmed from problems out of our control while the source of the latter is often our actions. By knowing the difference, we could reduce manufactured stress and ease our burdened minds. The term stayed with me, and I soon found the source of much stress and frustration in my life: acceding to frequent last minute requests from friends and family! Feeling obligated, I would give rides, let others borrow my car, lend money and babysit at the drop of a dime. As a result, I was often in a frantic state, with an unstructured and chaotic schedule. When it became too much to bear, I decided that it was essential to draw boundaries. While letting those close to me I was fine with helping them, I made it clear that change was coming. Calling or sending a text to ask for a ride or babysitter with only a few hours’ notice was not going to cut it! Going along with last-minute requests makes me feel like a chicken running with its’ head cut off. I refuse to be about that life.